Monday Morning Motivation
Central Elementary Staff News----January 23--January 27
What's Happening at Central
Dear Staff,
In this week's edition of the MMM, I would like to take a moment and highlight all the opportunities for students to be involved at Central. Even more importantly, I want to highlight the dedication of the teachers who volunteer their time and energy to make these clubs happen.
Since we know there is a correlation between student academic success and involvement in school, please continue to encourage children to participate in these programs.
The following extra-curricular activities at Central Elementary are part of what make us a special school:
- Robotics/STEM club
- Battle of the Books
- Cheer Club
- Running Club
- Math Bowl
- K-Kids
- Good News Club
- Spanish Club
- Test preparation (improving reading and writing skills)
Now you know what's happening, too!
Have a great week!
Julie
Two Weeks at a Glance
Central Calendar
MONDAY, January 23
- PTO meeting 7:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, January 24
- WIDA testing begins
- New IA meeting
- Middle school mouthpiece testing (4th and 5th switching specials)
WEDNESDAY, January 25
- Fire Drill 8:50 a.m.
THURSDAY, January 26
- Team leader committee meeting
- Cogat meeting during team preps
FRIDAY, January 27
MONDAY, January 30
- textbook adoption visit
TUESDAY, January 31
- Science committee meeting (7:30-8:30)
- Battle of the Books 9:00-10:00
WEDNESDAY, February 1
- Battle of the Books 9:00
THURSDAY, February 2
- Show CCC video
FRIDAY, February 3
- Battle of the books at Clarks Creek
Announcements and Reminders
- Complete Optimist nominations by January 31st
- 28 School Days Until ISTEP Window Opens! Part 1 is February 27- March 10, 2017
- IREAD Test Window March 13-March 17, 2017
- Hanke will be here February 9th to take candid and group photos.
- Reminder that February 17 is a make-up snow day. Even if we have a snow day as late as the 16th, we will be at school on the 17th (plan accordingly).
Substitutes Please reach out to Nicole Crum if you need a sub several months away. It will only be to your benefit to secure a substitute teacher early. Thank you.
WIDA ACCESS TEST will occur January 24 and 25th. Lexy will be in touch with you regarding the schedule, writing practice and online practice testing.
Battle of the Books (add dates to calendar)Tuesday, January 31--1st battle approximately 9:00-10:00 am.
* Wednesday, February 1-- 9:00 we will have final battle in the gym at approximately 10:10 with 3,4,5 grades watching.
* February 3rd we will go to Clarks Creek at 9:30 and should be back at approximately 10:00
Technology committee met. Those on the committee will begin to reach out and get your feedback as we develop an elementary five year plan. The committee is focusing on 1) student devices, 2) instructional technology, and 3) software and systems.
Science Committee Meeting January 31st. Time TBD from Dr. DelVecchio
Legacy Foundation Grants-begin thinking about the next grant cycle which will be due early April
Keep Photos coming of great happenings in your classroom. Also, share any classroom/staff celebrations.
Maker Boxes will be at Central Elementary April 3, 2017-April 21, 2017
Brag Tags on Fridays!
Summary of CogAT Dates
January 26th- K, 2ND, 5TH Meet During Prep for Test Administration Guidelines
January 30th-February 3rd- Kindergarten and 2nd grade testing
February 6th-10th-5th grade and all NEW 1st, 3rd, and 4th grade students test
Valentine's Day Parties
Teachers will coordinate volunteers for individual classroom parties. Three are suggested, but it is really up to you and the help you want in your classroom. Boxes will be made up for you just like they were for the fall parties.
Valentine's Day Parties are February 16th. This is a change from the semester calendar.
K- 2:45-3:30
1- 2:00-2:45
2-2:30-3:15
3-2:45-3:30
4-1:30-2:15
5-2:45-3:30
Curriculum and Instruction
Easy Exit Slip Prompts
1. Write down two things you learned today.
2. Pretend your friend was absent from class today and s/he asks you to explain the lesson. What would you tell him/her?
3. Write down one question you have about today’s lesson.
4. Write down one thing I can do to help you.
5. What concept has been most difficult/confusing this chapter?
6. What do you need to do to prepare for the upcoming test?
7. What would you like me to review tomorrow?
8. What is the most important thing we learned today?
9. How did today’s quiz go? What can you do to improve next time?
10. If you were writing a quiz over today’s material, what are 2 questions that you would put on it?
Staff Celebrations!
- Let's celebrate Central's attendance 97.32 percent!
- Thank you to all who remembered to have our students wear brag tags on Friday.
- Great job on the lockout/lockdown drill. Students did a very nice job. Our communications director was impressed with a second grade class because they were able to tell her the difference between the drills and why they are important. I'm sure this would be true in any of our classes!
- Teachers came to data meetings prepared and overall, feeling good about our school data. Keep up the good work and analyzing student performance as we pursue high student growth and all students reaching the benchmarks (60 percent reading and 70 percent math).
- ISTEP statewide readiness test went well. Thanks to Shonda, Allison and Jackie who helped me get this done.
- Please welcome Jackie Sutton, who is completing her student teaching in Diana Cragen's room.
Happy January Birthdays
- Guy Boltinghouse (3)
- Kelly Gowen (7)
- Jim Tharp (18)
- Shannon Todd (25)
- Patty Price (29)